Decline Invite Podcast

Decline Invite

The only invite worth accepting!

  1. 17H AGO

    Websites That Actually Convert with Wes Towers

    Summary: In this episode, Ryan Drumheller chats with Wes Towers about how trades and construction businesses can create websites that actually generate leads. Wes shares over 20 years of experience in building effective, conversion-focused websites and navigating the evolving digital landscape, including AI and SEO complexities. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro: Why most business websites don't generate leads 02:02 - The pitfalls of focusing on website aesthetics over conversion 04:21 - Wes' journey into web development and agency management 09:24 - Lessons on leadership and building a cohesive team 13:04 - Introducing AI into business processes and its troubleshooting advantages 17:12 - Balancing design and functionality for optimal conversions 22:16 - Security concerns and the importance of backups in website management 27:28 - Why short, clear messages outperform cluttered pages 35:17 - Misconceptions about websites being less relevant with changing search habits 39:30 - The evolution of SEO and the impact of AI on ranking strategies 44:02 - The risks of using AI for content creation and maintaining authenticity 50:03 - Building trust through social proof and client stories 55:40 - Strategic ways to say no and focus on brand messaging 62:24 - How web design adapts to mobile and evolving user expectations 68:06 - The overhyped nature of unnecessary website animations 71:15 - Reimagining website costs as marketing investments 75:34 - Final advice: continuous assessment and iteration for website success Resources & Links: Uplift 360: https://uplift360.com.au/ Wes Towers Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/westowers/ Host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-drumheller/

    1h 10m

  2. MAY 11

    Built in the trenches with Chris Farr

    Summary: In this episode of Declined Invite, Ryan Drumheller sits down with Chris Farr, a seasoned IT and MSP leader with over two decades of experience. They explore leadership built under pressure, the evolution of MSP from support to strategy, and practical advice for IT professionals aiming to make a meaningful impact. Whether you're new to leadership or an experienced professional, their insights shed light on navigating the complex world of IT with discipline, communication, and strategic thinking. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Leadership Under Pressure 00:29 - Chris Farr’s IT Journey 01:30 - Leadership Buzzwords to Retire 05:34 - Transition from Support to Strategy 08:17 - The Importance of Trust in MSPs 17:15 - Discipline vs. Motivation in Leadership 19:06 - Handling Chaos Calmly 22:07 - The Role of Communication 29:26 - Proactive Cybersecurity Measures 47:39 - Strategic IT and Business Alignment Resources & Links: Built in the Trenches by Chris Farr https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GWFNXWGM?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title Chris Farr on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-farr-409b3585/ Host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-drumheller/

    1h 5m
  3. Decline Invite Short Notice: Your Network is your real resume

    MAY 7

    Decline Invite Short Notice: Your Network is your real resume

    Host: Ryan Drumheller   / ryan-drumheller   Summary Ryan Drumheller discusses the importance of networking over resumes in career advancement. He shares personal experiences about how his network helped him after losing a job, emphasizing that relationships and trust are key to opening opportunities. Ryan advises on building meaningful connections and being consistent in adding value to others. He highlights the role of LinkedIn as a platform for showcasing one's professional persona and stresses the importance of positivity and persistence in networking. Chapters Introduction (0:08) Ryan introduces himself and the topic of networking versus resumes. The Power of Networking (0:38) Discusses how networks, not resumes, drive opportunities. Building Trust and Relationships (1:07) Explains the difference between connections and a real network. Personal Experience and Lessons Learned (2:06) Shares personal stories about the importance of staying active in networking. The Role of LinkedIn (4:57) Talks about using LinkedIn effectively for networking. Advice on Starting and Building a Network (6:13) Offers tips on how to start building a network and the importance of consistency. The Value of Positivity and Persistence (9:28) Encourages maintaining a positive outlook and being persistent in networking efforts. Conclusion (12:48) Wraps up with final thoughts on trust and opportunity.

    15 min
  4. Decline Invite Short Notice: AI isn't the problem, Leadership is

    MAY 7

    Decline Invite Short Notice: AI isn't the problem, Leadership is

    Host: Ryan Drumheller   / ryan-drumheller   Summary In this episode, Ryan Drumheller discusses the critical role of leadership in the age of AI. He argues that while AI is often seen as a threat to jobs, the real issue lies in poor leadership. Ryan shares insights from a Business Insider article featuring Brene Brown, highlighting the disconnect between leadership and business goals. He emphasizes the importance of good leadership, mentorship, and the impact of bad leadership on company culture and employee retention. Ryan concludes with personal stories and advice for future leaders, advocating for empathy and mentorship as key leadership qualities. Chapters Introduction and Technical Glitch (0:01) Ryan introduces himself and shares a technical mishap story. AI vs. Leadership (0:32) Discussion on AI's impact and the real risk being poor leadership. Insights from Brene Brown (1:57) Reference to a Business Insider article and its relevance to leadership. AI Project Failures (3:18) Statistics on AI project success rates and leadership's role. Leadership Challenges (6:40) Personal stories illustrating leadership failures. Cultural Disconnects (11:13) Examples of leadership missteps and cultural insensitivity. Personal Leadership Stories (13:10) Ryan's experiences with leadership in interviews and workplaces. The Importance of Good Leadership (17:01) Advocacy for positive leadership and its benefits. Mentorship and Empathy (23:29) Advice for future leaders on empathy and mentorship. Conclusion (28:30) Final thoughts on leadership as a choice and its impact.

    28 min

  5. MAY 4

    Decline Invite: Compliance, Culture & Content with Tom Fox

    Host: Ryan Drumheller Linkedin Guest: Tom Fox Linkedin Complaince Podcast Network Texas Hill Country Podcast Network Email: tfox@tfoxlaw.com Episode Summary In this episode, Ryan Drumheller, the extroverted IT leader, hosts Tom Fox, known as the compliance evangelist. They discuss the importance of compliance in business, how it can be a profit center rather than a cost center, and the role of compliance in improving business operations. Tom shares his journey into compliance, the founding of the Compliance Podcast Network, and his passion for using storytelling to make compliance engaging. They also explore the impact of AI on compliance and the benefits of podcasting as a business strategy. Timestamps 0:19 - Introduction by Ryan Drumheller 1:12 - Tom Fox's journey into compliance 2:03 - Founding the Compliance Podcast Network 3:10 - Growth during the COVID-19 pandemic 4:22 - The importance of compliance in business 5:16 - Icebreaker questions 6:25 - Misconceptions about compliance 7:22 - AI's role in compliance 9:42 - Expanding podcasting efforts 12:14 - Content driving business 16:01 - Effective compliance practices 18:22 - Compliance improving operations 20:46 - Common compliance mistakes 23:02 - Engaging employees in compliance 27:53 - Making compliance engaging 30:27 - Podcasting as a business strategy 35:24 - Why podcasting is effective 41:26 - Volume vs. quality in content creation 47:56 - Advice for business leaders in compliance

    54 min
  6. Decline Invite Short Notice: Certifications, Degrees, and Experience

    APR 29

    Decline Invite Short Notice: Certifications, Degrees, and Experience

    Host: Ryan Drumheller Linkedin Episode Summary: In this episode, Ryan Drumheller explores the value of certifications, degrees, and experience in the IT industry. He discusses how each contributes to professional growth and the importance of applying knowledge to real-world situations. Ryan shares his personal journey, emphasizing continuous learning and self-investment as keys to success. He also highlights the significance of balancing education with practical experience to create business value. Timestamps: 0:31 - Introduction: Certifications, degrees, and experience 1:12 - The role of degrees 3:34 - Understanding certifications 5:22 - The importance of experience 9:16 - Leadership development 14:17 - Reality check: Degrees and certifications 24:31 - Focus at different career stages 27:28 - Closing thoughts

    30 min
  7. Decline Invite Short Notice: You Don’t Need a CIO… Until You Do

    APR 29

    Decline Invite Short Notice: You Don’t Need a CIO… Until You Do

    Host: Ryan Drumheller Linkedin Summary: Discover the hidden power of a proactive CIO before disaster strikes. Ryan Drumheller, with over 20 years of IT leadership, reveals how strategic IT can transform your business into a secure, scalable powerhouse. Learn to spot early warning signs, craft technology roadmaps, and turn security into a cost-saver. Whether you're a founder or executive, this episode is your wake-up call to prioritize tech strategy and unlock your technology's true potential. Don't wait for a crisis—tune in now! Time stamps: Introduction & Importance of a CIO 0:31 - 1:23 IT as Strategy, Not Just Support 1:23 - 2:31 Warning Signs & Growth Challenges 2:31 - 3:18 Vendor Strategy & Roadmap Issues 3:18 - 4:50 Risk Management & Security 4:50 - 6:07 Creating a Roadmap & Managing Risk 6:07 - 8:38 Translating Tech to Business 8:38 - 12:03 Cost of Waiting & Efficiency Loss 12:03 - 21:49 Conclusion & Final Thoughts 21:49 - 23:30

    25 min
  8. Decline Invite Short Notice: Leadership Starts Before the Title

    APR 22

    Decline Invite Short Notice: Leadership Starts Before the Title

    In this episode, Ryan Drumheller explores how true leadership starts before you get the title. Discover the key behaviors that define real leaders: ownership, communication, and accountability. Ryan shares insights from his 20+ years in IT, showing how daily actions build your reputation and influence. Learn practical tactics to lead without authority and support your team's growth. Whether you're an aspiring leader or a seasoned pro, this episode will inspire you to lead authentically and effectively. Timestamps and Chapters: Introduction - Leadership Beyond Titles (0:31)The Myth of Promotion - Why Titles Don't Define Leaders (1:38)Core Behaviors of True Leaders - Ownership and Accountability (2:59)Practical Tactics - Cultivating Trust and Managing Failure (6:54)Breaking Myths - Leadership Without Authority (21:33)Taking Ownership - Building a Feedback-Rich Environment (13:04)Mentoring and Growth - Supporting Your Team (15:19)Conclusion - Start Leading Today (25:10)

    28 min
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    Decline Invite
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  • Episodes
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    © 2026 Decline Invite
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    Decline Invite Podcast